The Mary Book Reader

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Missionary Julia Foster loves working alongside her parents, ministering and caring for young girls in India. But when the family must return to England due to illness, she readily accepts the burden for her parents’ financial support. Taking on a job at Highland Hall as governess, she quickly finds that teaching her four privileged, ill-mannered charges at a grand estate is more challenging than expected, and she isn’t sure what to make of the estate’s preoccupied master, Sir William Ramsey.

Widowed and left to care for his two young children and his deceased cousin Randolph’s two teenage girls, William is consumed with saving the estate from the financial ruin. The last thing he needs is any distraction coming from the kindhearted-yet-determined governess who seems to be quietly transforming his household with her persuasive personality, vibrant prayer life, and strong faith.

While both are tending past wounds and guarding fragile secrets, Julia and William are determined to do what it takes to save their families—common ground that proves fertile for unexpected feelings. But will William choose Julia’s steadfast heart and faith over the wealth and power he needs to secure Highland Hall’s future?

Carrie Turansky is the award-winning author of eleven inspirational romance novels and novellas. Her latest releases are Snowflake Sweethearts, A Man To Trust, and Surrendered Hearts. Her next book will be The Governess of Highland Hall, releasing 10/13. She has been a winner of the ACFW Carol Award, the Crystal Globe Award, and the International Digital Award. Carrie lives in central New Jersey with her husband, Scott, who is a pastor, author, speaker and counselor. They have five young adult children and three grandchildren. She and her family served in Kenya as missionaries, giving them a passion for what God is doing around the world. Carrie leads women's ministry at her church, and she enjoys gardening, reading, flower arranging, and cooking healthy meals for friends and Family. You may contact her through Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and her website: www.carrieturansky.com.

Are you a fan of Downton Abbey? If you said yes then you are going to love this book.

This is a very emotional read, it is a great story of learning to submit to god.

I really enjoyed this book. The characters are easy to love. I could not put this book down.

If you have not read one of Carrie's books yet this is the one you want to pick up and read. This is Book one in the Edwardian Brides.

I gave this book 5 stars, and I recommend this book!

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.

Monday, October 28, 2013

Embark on an exotic adventure in Book 2 of the Escape to Paradise series from bestselling author MaryLu Tyndall. In the fledgling colony of New Hope, their friends struggle to create a Southern utopia in Brazil soon after the Civil War. But Hayden is seeking revenge—relentlessly. And Magnolia is seeking a way out—desperately. They both seek to use the other for their own purposes—deceptively. Falling in love was never part of their plans.

Acclaimed author, M.L. (MaryLu) Tyndall dreamt of pirates and sea-faring adventures during her childhood days on Florida's Coast. After obtaining a degree in Math and working as software engineer for 15 years, she decided to test the waters as a writer. With now more than ten books published, she makes no excuses for the deeply spiritual themes embedded within her romantic adventures. As a follower of Christ, her stories often reflect her own journey and walk with God. Her hope is that readers will not only be entertained but will be brought closer to the Creator who loves them beyond measure. In a culture that accepts the occult, wizards, zombies, and vampires without batting an eye, MaryLu hopes to show the awesome present and powerful acts of God in a dying world. A Christy award nominee, MaryLu makes her home with her husband, six children, and four cats on the California coast, where her imagination still surges with the sea.

Are you ready to take off to brazil? If you said YES, This is your book then, it is full of romance, darkness and laughter. It is beautifully written, you feel as if you are right there in the jungle.

I must say if you have not read book one Forsaken Dreams in this series Escape to Paradise, then you must pick it up as well.

MaryLu is a fantastic story teller. You will not want to miss this series. I can't wait for the next book.

I gave this book 5 stars and I recommend it.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.

Friday, October 25, 2013

This Christmas, experience learning to trust alongside the Plain folk of Apple Ridge, Pennsylvania in this heart-warming tale of second chances.

Sadie enjoys her freedom away from home and her mission trips to Peru, but after four years, her Old Order Amish family insists it’s time to come home and settle down. Levi, a bachelor who distrusts women after a family heartbreak, also has no desire for romance. To keep their families from meddling in their lives, Sadie and Levi devise a plan—but soon discover that the walls around their hearts are breaking down. Can they let go of their prejudices, learn to trust each other, and embrace a future together?

Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times, CBA, ECPA, and USA Today best-selling author who has written a dozen (and counting!) works of fiction and one of nonfiction. She and her dearest Old Order Amish friend, Miriam Flaud, coauthored the nonfiction, Plain Wisdom: An Invitation into an Amish Home and the Hearts of Two Women. Cindy has been featured on ABC Nightline and on the front page of the Wall Street Journal,and has worked with National Geographic on a documentary concerning Amish life. In June of 2013, the Wall Street Journal listed Cindy as the second most popular author of Amish fiction, following Beverly Lewis.

She's a veteran homeschool mom who no longer holds that position. As her children progressed in age, her desire to write grew stronger. After working through reservations whether this desire was something she should pursue, she began her writing journey. Her husband was her staunchest supporter as she aimed for what seemed impossible.

She's won Fiction Book of the Year, Reviewer's Choice Awards, Inspirational Reader's Choice Contest, as well as one of Crossings' Best Books of the Year. She's been a finalist for the prestigious Christy, Rita, and Carol Awards, Christian Book of the Year, and Christian Retailers Choice Awards.

Her real-life connections with Amish Mennonite and Old Order Amish families enrich her novels with authenticity. Though she didn't realize it at the time, seeds were sown years ago that began preparing Cindy to write these books. At the age of ten, while living in the dairy country of Maryland, she became best friends with Luann, a Plain Mennonite girl. Luann, like all the females in her family, wore the prayer Kapp and cape dresses. Her parents didn't allow television or radios, and many other modern conveniences were frowned upon. During the numerous times Luann came to Cindy's house to spend the night, her rules came with her and the two were careful to obey them--afraid that if they didn't, the adults would end their friendship. Although the rules were much easier to keep when they spent the night at Luann's because her family didn't own any of the forbidden items, both sets of parents were uncomfortable with the relationship and a small infraction of any kind would have been enough reason for the parents to end the relationship. While navigating around the adults' disapproval and the obstacles in each other's lifestyle, the two girls bonded in true friendship that lasted into their teen years, until Cindy's family moved to another region of the US.

As an adult, Cindy became friends with a wonderful Old Order Amish family who opened their home to her. Although the two women, Miriam and Cindy, live seven hundred miles apart geographically, and a century apart by customs, when they come together they never lack for commonality, laughter, and dreams of what only God can accomplish through His children. Over the years Cindy has continued to make wonderful friendships with those inside the Amish and Mennonite communities--from the most conservative ones to the most liberal.

Cindy and her husband reside near the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains in their now empty nest.

From New York Times best-selling author Max Lucado comes a timeless message that will warm your heart.

Imagine a Victorian England village in the Cotswolds where very little out of the ordinary ever happens . . . except at Christmas time.

This year, Edward Haddington, a lowly candle maker, is visited by a mysterious angel. That angel silently imparts a precious gift—a gift that’s bungled and subsequently lost. The candle maker and his wife, Bea, struggle to find the gift.

And when they do, they have to make a difficult choice. Who among their community is most in need of a Christmas miracle?

In just under two decades of writing, Max Lucado has accomplished more than most writers hope for in a lifetime. Most of his books have appeared on one or more best seller lists, including those published by the "New York Times," "USA Today," "Publishers Weekly," and the Christian Booksellers Association (CBA). Aside from hardcover books, Lucado's writings have also been published as children's books, videos, CD-ROMs, DVDs, music CDs, mass paperback booklets, apparel, giftware, bookmarks, calendars, study Bibles, workbooks, curricula, and plush products. In spring 2003, Hallmark/Dayspring Cards launched a new gift card line featuring excerpts from Lucado's writings--and has already sold more than one million cards.

All this success has drawn more than a little attention to a previously low-profile Texas author and minister. Lucado has been featured in a wide range of media, including "USA Today," "Larry King Live," and "NBC Nightly News." He has spoken at the National Prayer Breakfast before the President of the United States. He has traveled with internationally renowned musicians as a special speaker on their music tours, such as the highly successful "Come Together & Worship Tour" (sponsored by Chevrolet) with Grammy Award-winning artists Michael W. Smith and Third Day.

Journey to the TopLucado was born in 1955 in San Angelo, Texas, and raised in Andrews, Texas, the youngest of four children. His father was an Exxon oil field mechanic who, Lucado remembers, always smelled of grease cleaner. "It makes it easy for me to see a God who is loving and kind--because my dad was," he says. His mother was a nurse who grew up working in the cotton fields.

Lucado went through a period of rebellion against his parents' values and their God during his teens and into college. But it wasn't long before he found himself drawn back to his roots, back to God. He married, spent time serving as a missionary in Brazil, and returned to the States, where he began working as a church minister and writing on the side.

Secret to Success From all accounts, Max Lucado is not a man consumed by sales, awards, and achievements. He often turns down media interviews since they impede on family and ministry commitments. He spends the bulk of his week serving as senior minister at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas. And he is truly surprised by his own success--more impressed by his one-in-a-million wife and three amazing daughters than by his successful writing career.

Max does not usually write fiction, but this is not a book to be missed he sure knows how to write a book full off hope.

It was to short for me, I want more. It was such a great book with all the people getting their miracles, the ending was great.

I really would love to see more from Max on the fiction shelf when I go looking for a great book.

Super Christmas book. If your having a bad day or just need a pick me up then grab your copy of The Christmas Candle.

I gave this book 5 stars and I recommend this book.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

It’s 1971, and Betsie Troyer’s peaceful and predictable life is about to become anything but.

When their parents flee the Amish, nineteen-year-old Betsie and her seventeen-year-old sister Sadie are distraught. Under the dubious guidance of a doting aunt, the girls struggle to keep the secret, praying their parents will return before anyone learns the truth—a truth that may end all hopes of Betsie’s marriage to Charley Yoder.

Worse still, Betsie must learn a trade while she boards with a dysfunctional Englisher family: Sheila, a twelve-year-old desperately searching for a friend and in dire need of her mother; the free-spirited mother, who runs off to "find herself" on the stage; the angry father whose structured life crumbles; and Michael, a troubled college dropout nearly killed in the Kent State Massacre.

Thrust into the English world, Betsie must grapple with the realities of war and miniskirts, pot parties and police brutality, protests and desertion. Can she help the Sullivan family and find peace in her new surroundings, or must she forget the bargain she made and seek refuge back in Plain City with protective and reliable Charley?

Stephanie Reed lives on the outskirts of Plain City, Ohio, site of a once-thriving Amish community. She gleans ideas for her novels from signs glimpsed along the byways of Ohio, as for her previous books, Across the Wide River and The Light Across the River. Like her Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/StefReedBooks / and follow her on Twitter to keep in touch: https://twitter.com/StefReedBooks

As most of you know that have joined my blog and follow my reviews I am a huge Amish Fiction fan. I was so excited to see a new Amish author. I wanted to love this book because I was so ready for a new voice in Amish fiction.

I could not get into the story for some reason. The writing was very good, it was the story that did not work for me, yes I know you are sitting there saying to yourself it is fiction, but the story has to believable for me to get into it and hold my attention.

I will have to wait and read the next book in this series to make-up my mind about the author.

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

After tragedy strikes the family of young Naomi Miller, her friend Rebecca Bachman does all she can to help. But things get complicated when Rebecca's brother, Micah, returns from a combat tour in Afghanistan. For one thing, he chose to serve in the military even though he served as a medic and never picked up a gun. For another, he is under the Meidung--the shunning-- because of that and none of the Amish are permitted to speak to him or eat with him. And finally, he is not only Rebecca's brother, he is Naomi's husband! But how can Naomi pick up where their marriage left off after he turned away from her and his people to enlist in the army? How can Naomi and Micah even begin the process of healing their relationship when he will not repent of what he has done and the Amish will not forgive him for what he has done? Naomi despairs of ever again having a happy married life with her husband.

But God has a way of working on the hearts of His people--especially at Christmas time. When an unexpected turn of events sets things right, miracles happen to the Amish community, to the Miller family, and to Naomi and Micah, miracles that transform everyone.

Here is warm and tender story of faithfulness, love, and reconciliation at the most wonderful time of the year.

Murray Andrew Pura was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, and has traveled extensively throughout Canada, the United States, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Ordained as a Baptist minister in 1986, Pura has served five churches in Canada and headlined numerous speaking engagements in Canada and the United States. He has five books published, was a contributor to the Life With God Bible, has been a finalist for The Paraclete Fiction Award, The Dartmouth Book Award, and The John Spencer Hill Literary Award, and has been shortlisted for the prestigious 2010 Kobzar Literary Award of Canada.

I have to say this is Mr. Pura's best book yet in my opinion. I read it in no time it is a fast read and it is well written. I was very pleased with this Christmas story. This is a book that you can read while wrapped in a quilt and drink your hot chocolate and enjoy in an afternoon. I recommend this book and I give it 5 stars. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.

Monday, October 21, 2013

For spirited Martha Coblentz and her twin Mary, the snow has delivered the perfect holiday and birthday present to their door--handsome brothers Nate and Bram Kanagy. But when unforeseen trouble interrupts their season's good cheer, it will take unexpected intervention--and sudden understanding--to give all four the blessing of a lifetime. . .

Kissing The Bishop

As the year's first snow settles, Nazareth Hooley and her sister are given a heaven-sent chance to help newly widowed Tom Hostetler tend his home. But when her hope that she and Tom can build on the caring between them seems a dream forever out of reach, Nazareth discovers that faith and love can make any miracle possible. . .

Charlotte Hubbard sold her first historical romance in 1990, and she's been a slave to her overactive imagination ever since. As she writes, her stories invariably take on a life of their own, different from the way she proposed them: unforeseen characters and plot twists come along, and they keep her guessing right along with her readers!

Charlotte has lived in the Midwest most of her life. When she's not writing, she loves touring historic homes, trying new recipes, crocheting, and playing with her Border Collie, Ramona. She's a Presbyterian deacon, sings in her church choir, and plays in the percussion ensemble. She's married to a fine man who--bless him--has never once suggested she get a real job!

I hate to sound like a broken record but Charlotte is at the top of my favorite authors who write Amish fiction list. If you like Beverly Lewis you are going to LOVE Charlotte for sure.

You do not want to miss her latest 5 star Christmas book. It is two stories in one book The Christmas Visitors and Kissing the Bishop. I can't say which one I liked better they are both fantastic 5 star Christmas reads.

Friday, October 18, 2013

If he can't escape the outbursts that hold him captive, he'll lose his job. To further complicate his life, an unlikely church member devises a sinister scheme for his dismissal.

Tim has one last chance at Camp Solid Rock. When he discovers a startling secret from a youthful adversary, can he save the boy's life?

Roxanne Ratner’s father abandoned her as a young girl, and now she doesn’t trust men. They’ll only hurt her. Shopping for designer clothes is a poor substitute for the love she craves. The new Christian fights old habits of holding on to a guy. After she tempts Tim to sin, she must seek his forgiveness.

June Foster is a retired teacher who travels full time with her husband in their RV. Her adventures provide a rich source of information for her novels. She grew up in El Paso, Texas but moved to the magnificent northwest after she retired from teaching. She penned her first novel on her Toshiba labtop in 2010 as she and her husband sailed along the interstate. Now June has written four novels for Desert Breeze Publishing. Her novel Ryan's Father will be available from WhiteFire Publishing in January 2014.

In life we all have problems and June sure knows how to write about them in such a way, that you have to read on to see how they will be resolved. This book is very well written and captures your attention from page one until the very last page.

I bet when you read this book your heart will go out to Pastor Tim, mine sure did. I hate what was happening to Pastor Tim.

I gave this book 4 stars and I recommend you pick up a copy.

I was given a copy of this book by the author for my honest review. Thank you June

Thursday, October 17, 2013

The day Sadie Thompson finds her high school student, Lexie, asleep in class and can't wake her is the day she realizes how entrenched a prescription drug ring is in her school. As Sadie is pulled into doing something about the growing problem, she becomes involved with Ethan Stone—a Texas Ranger who suspects the drug ring reaches far beyond the high school. Helping Lexie recover from the overdose, Sadie feels she is making a difference—until the 16-year-old's best friend dies from the apparent mixing of various prescription drugs. Lexie doesn't think her friend took her own life, but her relationship with her Uncle Ethan is precarious and she doesn’t know if either he or Sadie will help her discover the truth.

Margaret has been writing for over 30 years. She started writing in the late 1970s because she wanted to see if she could put a whole story down on paper. That book is still in the drawer and will never see the light of day. But she was able to finish a book, which was her goal.

She decided after that to get some help, and joined a writers' roundtable where she met once a week with some fellow writers who went over each other's work. She sold her first book in the early 1980s and has been selling ever since.She loves to tell a story. When she was a little girl she made up stories while playing with her dolls. On long trips with her family she would weave a story about the surrounding countryside. From those early beginnings grew a love of entertaining people with a story.

When she went away to college, she met her husband, Mike, to whom she has been married for over 40 years. He is her support and her best friend. She has always felt she was the luckiest woman the day she bumped into him on campus.When they married, they moved to Tulsa, where she finished her degree in special education and began teaching. She loved teaching and working with students with special needs. They helped her remember what is important in life. She also participated in the Special Olympics as a coach with her students and has attended the State Games in May for years. Recently she retired from teaching to write full-time.

Besides teaching and writing, she is also a mother of one. Her son, Shaun, loves animals and there have been times they could have their own zoo at the house. The most interesting pet Shaun had is a leopard tortoise, which could outlive him. She has joked that his children will be inheriting a tortoise. He is married with four daughters.

When she isn't working, she loves to read, travel, and go to lunch and a movie with a friend. She has been to many countries in the world and loves to meet new people. Her favorite place is Tahiti -- Bora Bora. It is as beautiful as all the pictures portray it.

In her travels she has found herself in some interesting situations. Once, in London, she got caught in the middle of a protest that later turned into a riot over poll taxes. In the rain forest of Costa Rica, she was covered from head to toe in mud and ruined a perfectly good outfit. She should have remembered it was going to be wet since it was called a rain forest. In Rio, she and a friend were left with no means to get back to the hotel on the other side of the city. Neither Margaret nor her companion spoke Portuguese and there wasn't a cab in sight. Thankfully one finally pulled up to the curb at the museum because she couldn't see herself hiking across Rio to get back to the hotel at night.

I really enjoyed this book, Ms. Daley did not disappoint with book number four in the Men of the Texas Rangers series. Severed Trust has likeable, well developed and very realistic characters.

Mystery and romance lovers are going to love this one. Is it suicide or murder? You have to read this page turner to find out.

I hope that teachers and parents read this book and have their eyes opened.

I gave this book 5 stars and I recommend it.

I was given a copy of this book by Wynn Wynn Media for my honest review.

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Anyone who’s struggled with an addiction of some sort would agree that finding lasting contentment from the actual addiction is much like a dog chasing its tail—only a lot less adorable. Let Me Fall is the love story between God and His dimwitted daughter. I’m the dimwit in case you were wondering. As a grown woman, it pains me to admit that the catalyst for this story was my obsession with Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight saga, and the despair immediately following my reading it. If my despair were merely of the lighthearted, “oh darn I chipped a nail” variety, you wouldn’t be reading this book description. But it wasn’t, and you are. As in most tales of woe, I hit rock-bottom, which meant all my nails got chipped. Fearing the savage state of my cuticles as well as my heart, I finally called out to Father God for help. Spoiler Alert: He showed up with a spiritual defibrillator. Let Me Fall is where my literal world figuratively collides with God as He shows me more of who I am and who He is. My story isn’t a formula for falling in love with God. But I would be thrilled if it is a catalyst for others to do the same.

Beth Pensinger is an awkward, semi-colon abusing nobody who smiles too much. She is the author of four--make that four and a half--journals and untold scores of napkin-notes. She lives near Myrtle Beach, SC with her husband, dog, and human-hating chameleon. Visit with her at www.bethpensinger.com, where she blogs about dirty microwaves, infertility, and the fine qualities of Faramir of Gondor.

First let me start off by saying Beth has such a great sense of humor. I found myself laughing throughout this book.

Don't we all long to have a closer relationship with Jesus? This book encourages you to seek that.

I must say that this was a very inspiring read.

God wants a relationship with you, if you want one with him then pick up a copy of this much needed read.

I gave this book 5 stars and I recommend picking up a copy. If there is someone in your life that is struggling with their relationship with their heavenly father why not pick up a copy for them as well.

Monday, October 14, 2013

In book 3 of the Emma Raber's Daughter series, Amish fiction author Jerry Eicher brings the faith-filled journey of Katie Raber to its happy conclusion.

Katie Raber is trying to put her life back together after Ben Stoll's devastating betrayal of her love. When she is baptized into the church, she receives a surprising offer that will keep her close to her Amish community--much to her mother's delight.

But soon Ben is back in her life again--and at the same time she finds interest from another young man, though his bumbling efforts at winning her heart show him to be a far less desirable suitor than the more polished Ben Stoll.

Readers who have followed the saga of Katie and her attempts to escape the stigma of being just "Emma Raber's daughter" will be charmed by her new look at life as a young woman with important decisions to make.

As a boy, Jerry Eicher spent eight years in Honduras where his grandfather helped found an Amish community outreach. As an adult, Jerry taught for two terms in parochial Amish and Mennonite schools in Ohio and Illinois. He has been involved in church renewal for 14 years and has preached in churches and conducted weekend meetings of in-depth Bible teaching. Jerry lives with his wife, Tina, and their four children in Virginia.

I know what you all are thinking if not saying out loud, Here we go again this is Mary's favorite male Amish author. Right, you all are. I just can't get enough of Jerry's books.

This book was written so well, why YES it left me wanting more. I cracked this book open and read until the very last page.

Three books about Katie is just not enough. I love Katie's story.

You have to read this book to find out if Katie finds happiness with Ben.

A fantastic book about healing and restoring relationships. I have to say you will not find a better male Amish fiction writer then Jerry.

I highly recommend this book.

I gave this book 5 stars for sure and for certain.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.

Friday, October 11, 2013

'My story is not about my past, but about your future,' says Marie Roberts Monville. In the startling tragedy of the Amish schoolhouse shooting at Nickel Mines, one story has never been told; Marie Roberts Monville, the wife of the man who created such horror, tells her story for the very first time. It is a story of sorrow and destruction, but also one of majestic deliverance, unending compassion, breathtaking forgiveness, and grace-filled redemption. Within a solitary moment, Marie Monville realized that life, as she knew it, was over. What she never anticipated was a tangible encounter with God reaching into her circumstances, through them rewriting all she believed about herself, her faith, and the God she thought she knew. One Light Still Shines reveals three love stories: the innocent love of a devoted wife for a husband in pain, the incomprehensible love of God in the aftermath of massacre and destruction, and the redemptive love of Christ, waiting to unfold in the life of every person who reads this book. Marie's journey since that darkest of days has been invaded with light which shines through these pages into the darkest questions we all face--questions about our past, our value, our identity, and own powerlessness in this fallen world. Come face to face with the Power behind every answer---a love that begs to be received.

Marie Monville, a life-time resident of the Lancaster, Pennsylvania area, often sat alongside her father in his milk truck as he served his Amish and non-Amish neighbors. She married her high school sweetheart, then gave birth to three children. The first 28 years of her life were quiet, predictable, and full of regular day to day country living. That all changed the day her husband barricaded the Amish schoolhouse at Nickel Mines, just one mile down the road, and murdered one Amish schoolgirl after another, before committing suicide--a horrific scene that stunned the entire world. That day was October 2, 2006. And though she knew that day that the life she'd known had just been shattered, that very same day God infused Marie with an unearthly assurance that he was with her, present and trustworthy, and that he would not fail her. Today, Marie is remarried to Dan Monville, and their blended family is a testament to the healing kindness of God. Today, Marie speaks nationwide as she and Dan continue to raise their five children in the Lancaster, PA area.

When I first heard about the shooting at Nickel Mines my heart went out to thy guy's wife who shot the 10 Amish girls. Of course as well as the families of the girls.

I knew that the Amish families would forgive him and move on, but to hear the wife of the shooters story it is remarkable.

If you remember that shooting back in 2006 then you are going to want to read the shooters wife, Marie's story.

The best story of redemption I have read. Forgiveness at a time such as this has to come from above.

I will forever keep a copy of this book on my shelf, to reread.

As sad as this story was in part you have got to pick up a copy to hear how obedient, and devoted to the Lord Marie was through out all of this.

I can't image what she went through with three small kids at home and dealing with all of this but after reading her story, I am proud to say she is a very strong women with a story to tell , a lesson we all need to read about.

I gave this book 5 stars and I highly recommend it.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

As another year draws to a close in Willow Ridge, life seems to be changing for everyone but Rhoda Lantz. Her widowed mother is about to remarry, her sister is a busy newlywed, and soon Rhoda will be alone in her cozy apartment above the blacksmith's shop. An ad posted by an Englischer looking for someone to help with his mother and children may offer just the companionship she's looking for, but if she falls for the caring single father, she may risk being shunned by her community. Certain she can only wish for things she cannot have, Rhoda must remember that all things are possible with God, and nothing is stronger than the power of love.

Charlotte Hubbard sold her first historical romance in 1990, and she's been a slave to her overactive imagination ever since. As she writes, her stories invariably take on a life of their own, different from the way she proposed them: unforeseen characters and plot twists come along, and they keep her guessing right along with her readers!

Charlotte has lived in the Midwest most of her life. When she's not writing, she loves touring historic homes, trying new recipes, crocheting, and playing with her Border Collie, Ramona. She's a Presbyterian deacon, sings in her church choir, and plays in the percussion ensemble. She's married to a fine man who--bless him--has never once suggested she get a real job.

Don't miss this series Season of the Heart all three books are 5 star books.

Love is the greatest gift of all... I must say that Charlotte has been compared to Beverly Lewis and I have to say Charlotte's books are much better.

I love these books they are centered around Sweet Seasons Café. Super Christmas book, one to be read while wrapped in your favorite quilt while enjoying a cup of hot chocolate.

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

From Michael Landon Jr. and Cindy Kelley, authors of The Silent Gift and creators of the hit television film Love Comes Softly, comes an exciting historical romance set in post-Civil War, and filled with suspense and faith-building values.

At the war’s end, a young woman suffers an accident that leaves her unconscious and alone. Waking with amnesia, she takes the name Mercy and wants more than anything to find out the truth of her past. But then a handsome stranger arrives, who may hold the key to everything she has forgotten. What he knows could devastate her future, and even end her life.

Written by two proven storytellers, Traces of Mercy is perfect for anyone who loves historical fiction, prairie-based tales, or just a good romance.

Michael Landon Jr., son of television legend Michael Landon, is an award-winning storyteller, first in television and film, and now in books. His print works include One More Sunrise co-written with Tracie Peterson.

Cindy Kelley is an author and screenwriter who worked with Landon on the Love Comes Softly television film and co-wrote the novel The Silent Gift with Landon.

Super, Fantastic, Extraordinary, and Incredible are just a few of the words I would use to describe this book.

This has been the best historical romance I have read this year.

Wake up with no memory of your past, amnesia is some peoples worst nightmare and one that I would never want to live.

If you are a fan of historical fiction then please do not miss this first book in the Medallion Series. You will fall in love with the book and be very sad when you have to wait for the next book in the series.

I gave this book 5 stars and recommend it.

I was given a copy of this book by Wynn Wynn Media for my honest review. Thank you so much Jeane.

Monday, October 7, 2013

Readers of Kelly Irvin's Bliss Creek Amish novels will be overjoyed to discover her new series for lovers of Amish fiction: The New Hope Amish. In the first installment, Love Still Stands, a group of dedicated families leaves Bliss Creek to establish a new community in Missouri. Among them is Bethel Graber, a beautiful young woman with a passion for teaching. But after being disabled in a terrible accident, overseeing a classroom is out of the question...and romance seems a long-lost dream.

Bethel begins physical therapy, determined to make a fresh start. But that won't be easy in the town of New Hope, where the locals seem anything but eager to welcome their new Amish neighbors. Amid growing intimidation from the community, Bethel must find the strength to face her many challenges and the faith to believe that God still has a plan--and a love--for her life.

Kelly Irvin is the author of of the Bliss Creek Amish series published by Harvest House Publishers. The series, set in Kansas, includes To Love and to Cherish, A Heart Made New, and Love's Journey Home. Love Still Stands, the first novel in a spin-off series New Hope Amish, debuted September 1, 2013. In the New Hope series, familiar characters from Bliss Creek will move to Missouri to start a new district and a new life. The second book, Love Redeemed, is due out Feb. 1, 2014, and will be followed by A Plain Love Song six months later.

Kelly recently signed a contract with Zondervan Publishing for a three book series, Lone Star Amish. The first book, The Bee Keeper's Son, will debut in 2015.

Kelly is also the author of two romantic suspense novels, A Deadly Wilderness and No Child of Mine, set in San Antonio, Texas.

The Kansas native is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Sisters in Crime. In addition to attending the ACFW annual conference regularly, she has attended the Glorieta Writers Conference. She also serves as secretary of the ACFW San Antonio local chapter Alamo City Christian Fiction Writers.

A graduate of the University of Kansas William Allen White School of Journalism, Kelly has been writing nonfiction professionally for thirty years. She studied for three semesters at the University of Costa Rica, learning the Spanish language. As a journalist, she worked six years in the border towns of Laredo and El Paso, where she was exposed to culture and language that serves as fodder for her fiction writing. She has written hard news, features, entertainment pieces, restaurant critiques, editorials, and weekly columns. Writing awards include the Silver Star Award from the Texas Mental Health Association for articles pertaining to mental health and numerous awards in news, feature, and editorial writing from the Texas Press Association and Texas Press Women.

For nearly twenty years, she has worked in public relations for the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department, where her duties include writing and designing an employee newsletter, writing news releases, collaborating on marketing campaigns, coordinating ribbon-cuttings and groundbreakings, coordinating press conferences, updating the web site, and acting as a media spokesperson. She also proofreads trial transcripts for three court reporters.

Kelly has been married to photographer Tim Irvin for twenty-five years, and they have two young adult children. In her spare time, she likes to write short stories and read books by her favorite authors.For more information, visit http://www.kellyirvin.com

Kelly is quickly making her way up my list of favorite Amish Fiction writing authors.

She has wrote another 5 star book in her New Hope Amish series.

I started reading and did not stop until the last page. That's just how good Love Still Stands was.

Kelly out did her self on this one, the plot was super and she portrayed forgiveness throughout the book.

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

WE HAVE CLAIMED OUR MIRACLE... Psalms 18:17 "He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me. They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the Lord was my stay!" Amen

Psalm 60 O God, Thou hast shewed thy people hard things: thou hast made us to drink the wine of astonishment. Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah. Hold on my Child; Joy Comes In the Morning Weeping only lasts; For the Night!

I am married to a wonderful man. His name is Larry Carpenter. He's my Rock! He is the best husband in the world and the best step-dad the world has ever known. We have four grandchildren: Hannah, Anna Grace, Patience and JJ. But never let me forget: we also have 3 dog children: Chloe' Blackie and Bojangles. LIFE IS GOOD ONCE AGAIN! Thank you Jesus for Psalm 91 (My Bridge to My Miracle) Amen

Jackie Carpenter is a small town girl born and raised in Newnan, Georgia. Having been raised by her loving Christian parents, Jack and Mary Jo Duncan, Jackie and her sister Susie had a beautiful childhood. Spending lots of quality family time participating in church services, church related activities, backyard barbeques, swimming in the creek, walking barefoot through the woods, just having fun. There was no greater childhood than what she experienced in this small town.

Many years later Jackie found herself divorced, raising two sons on her own while working as an Administrative Assistant in Newnan Hospital. The hospital was looking at going into a Joint Venture with Larry Carpenter for Mobile MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) service. Newnan Hospital got MRI service and Jackie got remarried, worked out great for both parties!

Jackie moved to Ellaville, Georgia and became the Office Manager to her husband Larry Carpenter, President/Owner of Diversified Imaging Services. They have been working side by side since 1995. They work hard, and they play hard. They have traveled all over the world and still find themselves honeymooning 16 years later. In 2008 Larry built Jackie's dream house "Carpenter Place" in seclusion behind her parent's home in Newnan, Georgia. It is her "week-end retreat" where she still continues to spend quality time with her family. Now she takes those barefoot walks through the woods with her four grandchildren.

Jackie refers to herself as a "Small town Cinderella". She never knew life could be so good until her Prince Charming showed up at Newnan Hospital. . .and now their plan is to "Live happily ever after".

My name is Jackie Carpenter, and I am the author of:
"The Bridge" Between Cell Block A and a Miracle is Psalm 91 and
Georgia Justice: Journey To Faith

www.bridgetoamiracle.com

A Reporter asked me yesterday, what inspired you to give the book this Title?

It is a very unique Title, but that is because God gave it the Title and not Jackie. Before God inspired me to write the book, He gave it the Title. My family was miring down in quick sand with no hope of survival from this nightmare. Jason was in "Cell Block A" (that is where the murderers are located), only he had not murdered anyone. In Cell Block A they wear red and white stripes, symbolizing "Murderer" worst of the worst.

Has the Jury reached a verdict? We have your Honor! Will the defendant please rise....As my son stood there with his life dangling out over a cliff, outside of God, we had no Hope. But at 3:40 in the afternoon, 3rd floor Courtroom at the Coweta County Courthouse, GOD SHOWED UP WITH A "MIRACLE".

The Miracle that our family had been praying for over 10 long months. "We the Jury, find the Defendant, NOT GUILTY!
God spoke to my heart 2 months after the Trial. He said "Jackie, what is it that links these 2 things together (Cell Block A and a Miracle)? What is that Bridge between Cell Block A and that Miracle?" And it HIT ME LIKE A TON OF BRICKS...that Bridge is Psalm 91 (God's Shield of Protection Over Our Lives). I had been holding on to and claiming that promise for 10 months and that was the Bridge that God was showing me. I lived in the Book of Psalms for 10 months. Psalms 91 had been my "Life Support" for 10 months, and now it had brought me back to Life!

Many of you have heard me talking about and posting on Facebook about the movie Stand your Ground and you have asked what it was all about. I want you to read the whole story and I have posted links above where you canget the books and read all about it, before you see the movie. I am asking you if you are in the Durham- Raleigh area to come see the movie with me. You can go to http://seatzy.com/main/moviedetail/stand-your-ground and reserve your seat.

Back in 2011 Jackie said to me "There was a war being fought between God and Satan, and the prize was my own sanity"! " When money has no value and innocence is not enough, What Then?" Jackie said " I found the answer in Psalms 91".

Both books are 5 star books and the powerful story is not want you want to miss! FAITH that is all you need!

I am telling you all you do NOT want to miss this movie. Share it with your friends and family and your church family.

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

On a crisp October day in 2002, Lindsey O'Connor woke from a 47-day medically induced coma. She heard her ecstatic husband's voice and saw his face as she emerged from the depths of unconsciousness. She was bewildered by the people around her who looked so overjoyed and were so thoroughly attentive and attuned to her every move. Then came the question: "Do you remember that you had a baby?"

Lindsey drifted in and out of consciousness again for weeks. When she finally and gradually surfaced permanently from her long submersion, she struggled to understand that the day her baby came into the world was the day she left it. Her awakening was the happy ending for her family and friends--the miracle they had been praying for--but it was just the beginning of Lindsey's long and frightening journey toward a new reality.

With visceral images and richly layered storytelling, Lindsey O'Connor vividly tells the poignant true story of the struggle to reenter her world and rebuild her identity. Underlying this life and death battle is a story of lost and found love, the effort to make sense of life-altering events, and the continuing search for self. This moving memoir paints a powerful picture of pain, beauty, and the unsurpassable gift of finally knowing who you are.

Thank YOU!

I would like to take this time to thank all of the authors who have sent me books to read and review and given away books to very lucky winners on my blog. My mother always told me you can never say thank you enough. So THANK YOU all very much!
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About Me

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life I LOVE to get away in a super book. I love to cook and bake and spend time with my friends. I have the best Yorkies in the world, they love to lay with me while I am reading. The Lord is everything to me.I have an awesome husband! A small fact about me: I never leave home without a book!
Come on in and sit down with me and lets talk about books and have a virtual cup of tea together.